Btw, lightweight and low recoil in a 308 AR almost seems like an oxymoron.

__________________
"When you get the (men) to the range, you just get the men. But when you bring the (women) to the range, you get the (whole family). And that's what's going to save our 2nd Amendment."--Dianna Liedorff

"Since self-preservation is the 1st law of nature, we assert the...right to self-defense. The Constitution...clearly affirms the right of every American...to bear arms. And as Americans, we will not give up a single right guaranteed under the Constitution." --Malcolm X

Since the budget parts are so hard to get, I went for my poor man's JP setup (JP BCG and silent captured spring setup), I'm going to get my barrel reprofiled from a 24" bull to a 22" ~mid-weight which is required to fit my 0.750" adjustable gas block, I'm using a carbon fiber tube handguard and I'm thinking about going to an entry length ACE Ultralight stock setup (with 1" butt pad) which should help bring the balance back a bit at the expense of a shortish length of pull.

I'm hoping it will be under 9lbs without optics or sights, then my scope setup should add about two lbs.

Btw, lightweight and low recoil in a 308 AR almost seems like an oxymoron.

Thanks! I know a project like this is always a series of tradeoffs. But I was interested in what tricks can be used to reduce recoil irrespective of weight (LMOS, brake, buffer, adjustable gas block, etc), and what people are doing to reduce weight.

I basically want a 16" mid or rifle gassed (308 dissy?!?) midweight battle rifle, featureless (so I can use prebans), running a TA11x. Sort of a lighter-end battle rifle, with recoil/muzzle rise as manageable as I can make it.

I think the trick for light recoil is an effective brake and an adjustable gas block so your action runs smooth.

I think the JP stuff goes light on the BCG so when it goes back in to battery it doesn't move things as much. As a side effect it makes your rifle lighter and it was easier to buy than a DPMS BCG that was out of stock everywhere.

The silent captured spring setup is cool and the best part is that it fits a carbine length buffer tube (AR15 length, not AR10 or A5 length) so it simplifies the stock selection process. For me that means an entry length stock is possible without finding a special shorty carbine buffer and I've got a spacer if rifle length turns out better.

Beside the fit of the silent captured spring setup, it actually works pretty well. The "sproing" noise is gone and the rifle is a lot less rattly when you shake it. It actually makes the rifle sound like an AK when you close the bolt. It seems silly but it's kind of like the noise a Mercedes Benz door closing says quality compared to a hollow sounding economy car door.

I haven't weighed the silent captured spring setup against a shorty buffer and spring but it can't weigh very much more and I'll live with the weight if it does.

It weighs in at 9 pounds with BUIS and mag, but without IOR 2-12 scope and Atlas bi and mono pod.

I still need to get out and test this monster. It took me quite a while to afford and gather up all the parts. Many were hard to find in stock. I hope you like it. There are still some small things to do beside bench test.

Thanks! I know a project like this is always a series of tradeoffs. But I was interested in what tricks can be used to reduce recoil irrespective of weight (LMOS, brake, buffer, adjustable gas block, etc), and what people are doing to reduce weight.

I basically want a 16" mid or rifle gassed (308 dissy?!?) midweight battle rifle, featureless (so I can use prebans), running a TA11x. Sort of a lighter-end battle rifle, with recoil/muzzle rise as manageable as I can make it.

But that project's going to be a while.

That's pretty much where i was going with mine. I went with a 16" barrel, CF handguard, magpul CTR stock and nickel BCG. I still plan to put a TA11E on it eventually, but mine empty weighs just under 9 pounds. its for sure heavier than a .223 but its not too bad. weighs about the same as a Benelli M4. running a mid length gas system as well.

__________________
" You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something in your life. " - Winston Churchill

Hey triggs75, ever get a chance to try your new leupold vxr yet? Trying to get your impressions and thoughts on it. My understanding is that you replaced an SS scope with it? Why? Just trying to guage your opinion since I have the same scope but haven't had a chance to play with it yet.

Hey triggs75, ever get a chance to try your new leupold vxr yet? Trying to get your impressions and thoughts on it. My understanding is that you replaced an SS scope with it? Why? Just trying to guage your opinion since I have the same scope but haven't had a chance to play with it yet.

Turbo,
I took it out last month and am very happy with the VXR Patrol scope. Yes I did change out my SS 1-4x scope. I wanted a little more power and the SS really wasn’t doing it for me. I was not to fond of the SS reticle and how thick the lines were, it seemed like it took up most of the glass.

- The glass quality on the VXR Patrol is extremely clear, sharp, high resolution and bright. I was quite surprised how good the glass was in low light
- The illumination system works very well, with just a small dot that lights up at the center crosshair
- I like the low profile exposed mil turrets
- For me I can easily keep both eyes open while looking through it when it is set on low magnification

It is a lot of scope for ~550 dollars and would recommend it to anyone who is in the market for a mid-range scope.

NOTE: it has been an exciting (and sometimes nightmarish) and super expensive journey.. I was looking at keeping this entire build under $2K but in light of recent crazed events, I totally went over budget. However, upon completion, my smile couldn't get any bigger. In addition, I was totally skeptical about marrying a JD upper w/ a TM lower and everyone under the sun told me it wouldn't work, but with a tiny bit of filing in the rear take down hole of the JD upper, it fits snuggly. If i had to do it again, I think id just get a matching upper and lower set (JD over TM for sure.) Anyways, enjoy:

im hearing a JD 308 upper should be available end of march/beginning of april. not sure if that is reflecting wait lists through distributors or direct from JD. Depending where you live, you may want to visit them personally because you wont get an answer from them via phone.

Several months in the making, seven to be exact , but I finally got the rifle put together about a month back after months of back-orders and looking for the right parts... had a few changes from the original plan during that time
Haven't had any range time with it as there are no ranges near by that are over 100yds and I have been pretty much busy with work in general for the last few months. Will be going out soon and scoping out some BLM land where I can set up some targets 500+ yrds and see what I can do with it

All Fulton Armory Titan. Except the JP enhanced bolt, silent capture spring and Brake.
It shoots like you would expect. Way more accurate than my .308 Garands or LRB M14s. Squirrels out back at 200 yds don't stand a chance.

just curious here .. I know I'll eventually find out , but here it goes ..

Im in middle of changing Carbine to Rifle Length buffer

currently I'm running carbine heavy buffer system which is 5.6oz & rifle length gas system .

factory rifle length buffer indicates 5.4 oz ..

my question is , do you think there will much changes in gas operation ? might have to adjust through gas block ?

not sure it'll slow the cycle down a bit ..

If you have an adjustable gas block why not take full advantage of it and make the adjustment regardless? It might function well enough with the new buffer and tube but why not get the most out of your setup?

__________________
"When you get the (men) to the range, you just get the men. But when you bring the (women) to the range, you get the (whole family). And that's what's going to save our 2nd Amendment."--Dianna Liedorff

"Since self-preservation is the 1st law of nature, we assert the...right to self-defense. The Constitution...clearly affirms the right of every American...to bear arms. And as Americans, we will not give up a single right guaranteed under the Constitution." --Malcolm X

Just picked the rifle up yesterday after having HP Customs and Coatings try to create my "wild" ideas... I think they (Ted) nailed it! They are also going to be put a "Dont tread on me" snake on the lower in Cerakote Graphite Black when I take the bipod in to spray. Better pics to come but couldnt wait to share